GENESEO, ILL. (06/28/19) – Robert R. Reese, 87, of Geneseo, Illinois, iconic founder of Springfield Armory, passed peacefully Saturday, June 22, 2019, in Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf, Iowa.
Robert Rost Reese was born June 27, 1931, in Moline, Illinois, to Thomas William and Ruby Rose (Rost) Reese. Bob married Carol Schillinger on June 25, 1952, in Geneseo, Illinois, and went on to serve in the U.S. Army National Guard at Camp Cooke in Santa Barbara County, California. Upon discharge from the Army, Bob and Carol returned to the Midwest where he began farming in Henry County, Illinois with his father. In addition to farming, Bob had several other occupations. He was an agriculture equipment salesman in Tipton, Iowa, a real estate developer in Hanna Township, and a dealer of Army surplus with a store in Geneseo.
In 1974, Bob resurrected the “Springfield Armory” name, and in doing so, preserved iconic and historically significant firearm designs such as the M1 Garand, the US M14, and the 1911 pistol. Bob, his wife, Carol, and their son, Dennis, were the first employees in this next chapter of the legendary Springfield Armory. They were joined by sons Dave and Tom, and together the Reese family grew the business to be a global force in the firearms industry.
Bob was a man of many interests and talents. He enjoyed boating, water skiing, snow skiing, and racing dirt bikes, but his greatest passion was in all things related to firearms and shooting. He was an avid competitive shooter, hunter, and fisherman, who pursued those interests together with Carol all over the world. He hunted big game well into his late 70s, traveling to such places as Mongolia, Azerbaijan, the Amazon, Alaska, Africa, and everywhere in between.
Bob was a lifelong, committed advocate for the Second Amendment, who cherished its significance and lived his life guided by the principles of independence and personal responsibility. He loved trips to Camp Perry, exhibiting on Commercial Row and supporting the Highpower Rifle Championships and Bullseye Pistol Championships, an annual tradition that began only months after founding Springfield Armory in 1974. Bob was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, and has several firearms patents to his name. At the young age of 17, he became the North American Junior Trapshooting champion.
Bob is survived by his wife, Carol; three sons and daughters-in-law, Dennis J. and Jane Reese of Geneseo, David R, and Colleen Reese of Colona, and Thomas William and Jane Reese of Geneseo; seven grandchildren and their spouses, Stefany and Chris Toomer, Nicholas Reese, Robert and Bethany Reese, Jon Reese, Kelly and Houston Holt, Carolyn and John Kozlik, and Thomas William Reese; and two great-grandchildren, Ruby Grace Holt and Eli Joseph Reese. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Carol Kleeman.
Bob’s family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.
Memorials may be made to the following: VFW – https://heroes.vfw.org/page/21776/donate, or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) – https://alzfdn.org/support-us/donate/.
About Springfield Armory®
In 1794, the original Springfield Armory was designated as our national armory by General George Washington, and began manufacturing muskets for the defense of our young, free Republic. This monumental institution went on to serve as a think tank for developing innovative firearms concepts and producing some of the most storied rifle platforms in our country’s history. The Armory functioned as a firearms supplier for every major American conflict until 1968 when the government sadly closed its doors. In 1974, two centuries after its inception, Springfield Armory Inc. in Geneseo, IL revived the iconic heritage of the Armory to carry on its legacy and restore the Springfield Armory name.
Springfield Armory Inc. engineers, manufactures and assembles their high-quality 1911, 911, SAINT® AR-15 and legendary M1A™ lines of firearms in Geneseo, Illinois. Since 2001, Springfield Armory has enjoyed a strategic, collaborative partnership with the state-of-the-art factory in Croatia working hand-in-hand to develop and engineer the multiple award-winning line of XD® polymer pistols that have become staples in the US marketplace. We strive to honor this responsibility as guardians of the original Springfield Armory legacy by manufacturing the highest quality firearms to enable responsible citizens to preserve their right to keep and bear arms in the defense of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
With an unmatched emphasis on craftsmanship, performance and exceptional customer service, our mission is to forge superior firearms and provide the tools necessary to defend individual freedoms and equality for those who embrace the rights and principles secured by our Founding Fathers. For more information, please visit us at: springfield-armory.com.
No question – one the most cherished highlights of my life was the first meeting with Bob & Carol.
From the first minute it was undeniable – Bob was going to be a delight to know, and as the years and hunts progressed I only became more impressed with his wit and wisdom.
Bob and Carol’s experiences in business were varied and fascinating. And I would offer – no other couple could be more comfortable to share time with in camp – whether tired from a long day of hunting or if tied indoors all day by the rain & wind & cold.
My sincerest condolences to the deserving Reese matriarch- Carol, to their children, and to the rest of their family and friends who had the good fortune to have shared time with Bob. Heaven just called one of the best storytellers ever.
Bob was loved and admired by so many my husband Chuck has so many good memories of him that he tells often, he talks of his first job with Bob farming and herding up the cows he laughs every time he tells you about farm life with Bob and my brother in law Mark loved to share his memories as well and I’m sure he was one of the first to give Bob a hug as he crossed the gates. I loved the way Bob always made you feel welcomed he was such a humble man he will be missed by so many😊
Thank you for keeping the legacy, RIP!
Lord bless the Reese family and the work of their hands.
Rest in peace , good sir !
All of my family has enjoyed many hours in use of your products ,
and always swore by their quality , for recreation and competition .
You have done this country’s shooters & collectors a fine service ,
and the gratitude we have can scarcely be expressed .
Thanks , Bob . You will be missed !
Thank you! Mr. Reese! My you rest in peace, condolences to all in your life who knew you. May your name forever be associated with the firearm for all to remember your dedication and hard work!
Rest in peace Bob, thank your for your service to our great country, your commitment to the FireArms Industry and to the FireArms enthusiasts.
Rest In Peace, Mr. Reese.. Thank you for your service and contribution to our sport. Your legend lives on in your firearms.